Taking Care Of Your Baby's Skin

When you bring your baby home for the first time, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. I, for one, had no clue what a Wubanub or a Comotomo were, and months later wondered how I could parent without them. (They are a pacifier and bottle brand, for the uninitiated.)

You need to figure out feeding, diapering, sleeping and healing. You need to organize visits and handle grandparents. Your baby’s skincare is not on the top priority list.

However, as the months progress, you may notice rashes or dryness on your sweet little one's skin. The products that promote themselves as “baby friendly” and “all natural” may be anything but, and you don’t exactly have tons of time to spend reading labels. Extra time should be you time (or lie-face-down-on-the-couch time, if you wonder how I am spending any extra moments of my day).

This Article

A baby’s skin is delicate – this certainly isn’t a myth. Chemicals, fragrances, dyes and fragrances can easily irritate those adorable folds and wrinkles. (1) Even an all natural baby cream was found to contain a highly potent prescription steroid, which can be terrifying for any loving parent. (2)

What the heck are we to do besides raise our children in bubbles? (Note to my husband: this is still not an option.)

A lot, and the good news is, much of it is pretty simple.

Ease Up On The Baths.

Baths are calming and soothing and are often added to bedtime routines. However, too many (more than three per week in the first year) can leave your baby’s skin patchy and dry. Sponge baths in between are fine (1). This may become a habit as your kid gets older - even the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that children aged 6-11 only need to bathe once or twice a week (or you know, when they play in the mud). Our obsession with cleanliness may be adding more to our daily lists than necessary. Permission to have a diry kid? Granted. (5)

Wash Clothes and Bedding Separately.

As moms, it is so much easier to consolidate tasks. I get it. However, scented products can really irritate your baby’s skin. Most laundry detergents are scented. So either put all laundry in baby detergent or separate it.

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.